Mel Trotter Ministries names new leader

GRAND RAPIDS -- After a national search, Mel Trotter Ministries is turning to a local mission leader to direct its 107-year-old mission operation.

Press Photo/Noel A. Webley IIThe Rev. Chico Daniels, 51, will begin work as president and CEO of Mel Trotter Ministries on Oct. 1.

The Rev. Chico Daniels, 51, was named president and CEO by the board of directors and will begin his duties Oct. 1.

Daniels will direct an organization that has grown dramatically in the past decade.

With a $12 million budget and 85 employees, its operations include an overnight shelter for men, a shelter for women and children, a residential treatment program, two retail stores, clothing and food distribution and the sale of donated used vehicles.

Daniels was selected from a field of 60 applicants, including individuals from Virginia, Nebraska, Illinois and Alaska.

Board Chairman Richard Koole said the board believes it has the right man.

"Rev. Daniels has the skill, experience and passion necessary to lead Mel Trotter into the future. His work at Guiding Light has been exemplary and we believe he will do the same here at Mel Trotter."

Prior to his tenure at Guiding Light, Daniels was executive director of the Visalia Rescue Mission in Richmond, Calif., and an evangelist for Christians in Action Missions International in Woodlake, Calif.